Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
We are proud that Dorset Council is a rated Outstanding authority by Ofsted for our work with children, young people and families. This reflects our strong commitment to high‑quality, child‑centred practice and the positive culture we've built across our services.
Leading national change
The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme sets out a major national reform of family support and child protection in England, aiming to shift the support towards earlier, more joined up help for families.
Dorset was selected as a national Pathfinder local authority for the Families First for Children programme, placing us at the forefront of developing new ways of working with children, families, and communities. Now aligned with the national guidance: The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme Guide, we are bringing together a blended model to support our families to receive the right support and intervention, at the right time.
Family Help Teams
We are bringing together Family Help and Child Protection teams to support families in telling their story, only once, focussing on building and sustaining relationships with practitioners supporting them. As a Social Worker within the Family Help teams, there are various ways in which you can support our children and families. As one integrated team, we support families from Targeted Early Help right through to care proceedings and adoption, promoting continuity and consistent relationships. We are looking for social workers with all levels of experience to join us in making a difference in our communities.
As part of the reforms, we are developing our multi-agency child protection teams. We are introducing Lead Child Protection Practitioners within the Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) as per the national guidance and you will work closely with these practitioners and the MACPT to support the needs of our children.
About the Role
You will be joining a well-structured and organised team that are looking to grow their staffing levels. The role offers flexible working hours and has a supportive team culture with regular supervision on cases. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced and supportive team within Dorset Council.
Day to day activities
As a social worker, you'll work with families across the continuum of need and support children who require targeted early help, subject to Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings and court proceedings. Your responsibilities will include: ‑proceedings and court proceedings. Your responsibilities will include:
delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation
undertaking assessments of children's needs and developing effective, timely plans
promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children through direct work and support
working in partnership with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention
preparing high‑quality reports for court and other professional settings
chairing multi‑agency meetings to review and progress plans
keeping accurate and up‑to‑date records using our case management system
undertaking specialist assessments once training has been completed
Work closely with early years, schools, health, police and community organisations to deliver effective, community‑based support, strengthening partnerships and contributing to robust, child‑centred plans.
Required Skills and Qualifications
3 years (permanent) post qualification experience within English LA's
Enhanced DBS/CRB (we can obtain for you)
Eligibility to work in the UK
SWE Registered
Degree in Social Work (or equivalent)
Fulfill travel requirements of the roleAbout You:
You will be able to demonstrate a high level of post-qualification knowledge of statutory social care services, with experience of delivering complex court proceedings in a variety of court settings. If you feel you meet the requirements we would love to hear from you.
We have ample on-site parking with the opportunity for role progression and training for both perm and temporary staff within the authority. Competitive pay rate offered.
Please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated recruitment team if you have any questions or feel you have the requirements to fulfil this post.
We offer a £500 referral bonus to anyone who is successfully placed in a new role.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
Salary description
£38.00 - £42.00 per hour